Grad photos at the Old Court House
Lauren and Mark at Old Court House
Some photo sessions feel like stepping into the future while honoring the past — and this one was exactly that.
Lauren and Mark graduated from Arizona State University this year and are already making their mark within the Judicial Branch. They’re in love, ambitious, and both working toward careers as attorneys — and one day, judges. When they reached out for graduation photos, they wanted their session to reflect where they’re headed next.
That’s how we ended up at one of the most historic and visually striking buildings in Phoenix: the Old Courthouse.
Why the Old Courthouse Matters
For Lauren and Mark, the Old Courthouse wasn’t merely a scenic backdrop — it symbolized their commitment to the legal field and the future they’re building together. The texture of the brick, the marble accents, the sense of history in every hallway — it all served as the perfect setting for a couple deeply connected to the justice system.
Lighting the Story
On this shoot, I brought my trusty Westcott FJ400, one of my favorite tools in my kit. Using lighting on location lets me keep the subjects evenly lit while still creating a dramatic look where the foreground gently pops against a darker background. It turned a beautiful day into images with depth, shape, and intention.
The weather couldn’t have been better — bright but not harsh, perfect for mixing natural ambience with controlled strobe light.
A Session with Variety and Personality
We captured individual portraits and couple shots, and honestly, Lauren and Mark made it easy. They were fun, expressive, and willing to try different poses and ideas. Couple photos are a fantastic addition to grad sessions — they bring warmth, connection, and a spark you can’t replicate with solo portraits.
We also made sure they walked away with:
Traditional grad photos in full regalia
Professional headshots they can use as they move into the legal field
Casual and more formal portraits in their dress clothes
I especially loved featuring Lauren’s custom regalia, which proudly incorporated the Mexican and German flags — a beautiful reflection of identity, heritage, and accomplishment.
Planning the Vision Together
Before the shoot, Lauren sent me several inspiration photos she liked. Not only did that help me understand her aesthetic, but it started a great creative conversation. From those examples, I could tell immediately that the shoot was going to be fun — and it absolutely was.
Inside Access
Photo by second shooter, Scott Russomano
We meet graduates on location, wherever your story takes place. For this shoot, we even coordinated with the Judicial Branch to get permission for a few portraits inside the Old Courthouse — a rare and special opportunity that added depth to their collection. We even got a few creative shots using the beautiful staircase.
Looking Ahead
The best part of graduation photography is capturing the excitement of accomplishments completed and paths just beginning. Lauren and Mark have a bright future ahead, both personally and professionally, and it was an honor to document this moment for them.
